The NSW Nationals in the state government have announced the largest land transfer in NSW history.
The announcement has been made by Nationals Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey, Nationals MLC Sam Farraway, Orange City Council mayor Regg Kidd, and representatives of the Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council.
Under the plan, 312 hectares of Crown Land will be transferred to Orange City Council as community land, giving it greater ability to manage parks, sporting facilities, and other recreational and cultural activities.
86 hectares will be transferred to Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council to provide economic and cultural benefits for the Aboriginal community.
Mr Farraway said the land transfers will provide a massive boost by opening up a range of new options for the city’s advancement, delivering positive social, economic, cultural, and environmental benefits for the city and the region.
“This historic agreement is an Australian first. It will be a model for future Aboriginal Land Agreements and land transfers – one that balances the rights of Aboriginal people and essential community infrastructure like Showgrounds and open space,” Mr Farraway said.
